Warrnambool
Race 8 – Eddystone
Jockey – John Allen
1700m – Barrier 2
Improving galloper Eddystone is third-up and fitter when he comes back a notch in grade at Warrnambool this afternoon. The gelded son of Heart’s Cry was always rearward at Bendigo first-up, before making solid ground and unlucky not to finish closer at Geelong over this distance last time out. Jockey John Allen stays on board and can settle more forward in the run from a good draw, looking to land leader’s back from the outset.
Feargal only knows one way and is the likely frontrunner in this, while expect Dark Harmony and Mark Of The Man to roll forward in the early stages and be prominent in the run. Actaeon will settle in the second half of the field but comes here third-up on the back of a good run at this track and trip. Feargal and Mark Of The Man beat him home on that occasion, but it was a day that favoured those on-speed and he made good ground considering. If he’s close enough on the bend, he’ll take holding out. Hardest to beat. Each way chances to Feargal, who will get every chance from the front, and Late Arrival, who should enjoy a soft trail and have something to give late.
Eddystone was strong in the latter stages at Geelong last start and looks ready to fire third-up today. If he can begin cleanly and hold a forward position from the outset, he can pinch a break on his main rivals and prove hard to run down. Strong claims to notch his first Australian win.
Currently, Eddystone is a $3.80 chance in the market.